Back by popular demand, RSPCA Victoria is excited to announce that the Pawsome Stories competition is back for the second year with best-selling children's author Andy Griffiths, joining the judging panel as a special guest judge.
RSPCA Victoria's Pawsome Stories invites Victorian children in grades three - six to put their writing skills to the test, asking participants to write either a fictional story about rescuing an animal, or a persuasive essay to answer the question, 'If you could change one thing in the world to improve animals' lives, what would it be and why?' Entries will be reviewed by renowned authors Andy Griffiths and Cameron Macintosh, who will sit on a judging panel alongside RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker.
Not only is Andy Griffiths is one of Australia's most popular children's authors, with his Treehouse series embraced by children all over the world, he is also a passionate advocate for encouraging and improving children's literacy.
"Ruby the RSPCA Rescue cat and I are honoured to be judges for this year's Pawsome stories competition. In the treehouse I love writing about animals, Terry loves drawing them and Jill loves rescuing them-so you can imagine how much Ruby and I are looking forward to reading the Victorian children's animal rescue stories!"
RSPCA Victoria's Pawsome Stories writing competition is the perfect opportunity for primary school aged children to practice their literacy skills and put their creativity to good use, all for a great cause during Victoria's extended lockdown.
"At a time when many young Victorian's are spending an extended period of time at home and away from school, we hope that Pawsome Stories will give them an opportunity to practice their creative writing and critical thinking skills that will assist them in their schooling as well as their long term careers," said RSPCA Victoria's CEO, Dr Liz Walker.
Cameron Macintosh, author of Max Booth Future Sleuth series, who joins the judging panel for his second year, says that he has been impressed with the quality of writing he has seen from young Victorian's who entered the competition last year.
"It's a real honour to be invited back as a judge in the second year of the Pawsome Stories competition. It was such a buzz to be part of last year's competition - not only was the quality of writing so impressive, I was incredibly moved by the depth of compassion for animals amongst our Year 3-6 students. We're really excited to see what you all come up with this year," said Cameron.
Entrants of Pawsome Stories will have the opportunity to win some great prizes including a Pawsome Stories trophy, Dymock's vouchers, plush toys and a virtual tour for their whole class to meet RSPCA Victoria's barn animals. Judges will decide upon one winner and two runners up in each of the categories.
Victorian schools are invited to get involved and encourage students to participate. Entries close September 17, 2021 and winners will be announced via a live webinar on 14 October at 4.30pm.
